Scott County supervisors block first reading to allow thermal electric plants in agricultural-preservation zones

The Scott County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 12 voted down the first of two readings to add “Thermal Electric Energy Generation Facility” to the list of special permitted uses in the county’s Agricultural-Preservation (A-P) zoning district. The motion, moved by Supervisor Dickson and seconded by Supervisor Beck, failed on a roll call of four Nays with one Abstention (Beck).

A member of the public, Mary Maher of Davenport, addressed the board before the vote and asked the supervisors to vote no on the ordinance change, citing opposition to the proposed CIPCO power plant. Supervisor Dickson told the board she had reviewed communications from numerous citizens and “found no compelling evidence demonstrating that the proposed power plant is an immediate need for the County.”

Supervisors elaborated on reasons for opposing or hesitating to advance the ordinance. Supervisor Bribriesco said that after reviewing presentations and public input she was not convinced the facility is necessary at this time or that Maysville is an appropriate location. Supervisor Paustian, a lifelong local farmer, said he was impressed by the citizens group that organized in opposition. Supervisor Beck noted the ordinance language would not be specific to a single company and asked to see an independent analysis demonstrating a countywide need for additional generation capacity before altering A-P zoning. Chair John Maxwell said his primary concern was the proposed location and emphasized that Agricultural-Preservation land is intended to remain in agricultural use.

Because the motion failed on the first reading, the county did not change Chapter 6 of the Scott County Code of Ordinances and no zoning permit pathway was added at this meeting. The board did not take further action on the matter at the Feb. 12 session.